The braking system is a critical component of any vehicle, and Nissan Almera Classic is no exception. Timely replacement of front pads guarantees driving safety and prevents expensive repairs of calipers or discs. Many owners of this model neglect diagnostics until they hear a characteristic creaking noise, which often leads to emergency situations on the road.
The process of replacing brake linings Nissan Almera Classic has its own characteristics that distinguish it from other Japanese cars. For example, the design of calipers requires attention to the condition of the guides and anthers. If you plan to do this work yourself, you will need not only a set of tools, but also an understanding of the mechanics of the brake system of a given vehicle.
Symptoms of wear and diagnostics of the brake system
You can determine the need to replace brake elements not only by the indicator lamp on the instrument panel, which is often absent on basic trim levels, but also by indirect signs. The most obvious signal is a metallic grinding or squealing sound when you press the brake pedal. This means that the friction lining has completely worn out and the metal base of the pad has begun to contact the disc.
In addition to sound signals, pay attention to the behavior of the car when braking. If the car starts lead aside, this may indicate uneven pad wear on different wheels or jammed caliper guides. It is also worth checking the pedal: if it becomes βwobblyβ or vibrates, this is a reason for immediate diagnosis.
- π The appearance of a metal grinding or squeaking noise when braking is a sure sign of critical wear.
- π Pulling the car to the side during sudden braking indicates an imbalance of braking forces.
- π Increased braking distance and the need to press harder on the pedal to stop.
β οΈ Attention: If you hear a grinding noise, do not delay visiting the service center or purchasing new parts. Driving on worn pads can lead to the destruction of the brake disc, the repair of which will cost many times more than replacing consumables.
Visual inspection through the rims also provides information about the condition of the system. However, on some models, closed-design wheel rims do not allow the thickness of the friction layer to be assessed without removing the wheel. In such cases, it is better to trust professionals or use endoscopic equipment.
Selecting quality supplies and tools
Before you get started, you need to select the right parts. For Nissan Almera Classic pads with article number are often used Nissan 31040-60U00 in the original, but the market offers many high-quality analogues from trusted brands. Choosing non-original parts can save your budget, but requires caution, since the quality of friction mixtures varies greatly between different manufacturers.
Among the popular alternatives, it is worth paying attention to brands specializing in Japanese cars. Good reviews are left about products TRW, Ceramic and Textar.
- π§ Original Nissan pads are a guarantee of exact matching of geometry and material.
- π‘οΈ Branded analogues (TRW, Brembo, Ferodo) - optimal price-quality ratio.
- π« Cheap nameless kits have a high risk of rapid wear and damage to the discs.
To carry out the work, you will need a standard set of tools that most car enthusiasts have. However, having specific keys will greatly simplify the task. Don't forget to prepare a jack, stands for the car (goats) and a wheel wrench. Working on a suspended machine without stands is strictly prohibited.
βοΈ Replacement tools
Preparatory stage and work safety
Safety is the number one priority when doing any work under a vehicle. Choose a flat and hard surface, preferably with an inspection hole or overpass, but you can also get by with a flat section of asphalt. Be sure to set the vehicle's parking brake and place wheel chocks under the rear wheels to prevent any movement.
Remove the wheel from the side where you plan to replace it. If you are changing both sides, start with one and complete the process completely before moving on to the other. This will allow you not to get confused in the details and control the level of brake fluid in the reservoir. Check the fluid level periodically, as it will rise when the piston returns to the reservoir.
β οΈ Attention: Do not leave the caliper hanging on the brake hose after unscrewing the guides. Hang it on a wire or hook to avoid damaging the rubber hose from excess tension.
Before starting disassembly, thoroughly clean the area around the caliper from dirt and dust. Using compressed air or a brush will help prevent abrasive particles from getting inside the mechanism during dismantling. Dirt trapped in the guides can cause jamming and uneven wear on the new pads.
Step-by-step instructions for replacing pads
The first step is to loosen the caliper guides, which are usually located at the top and bottom. On Nissan Almera Classic The most commonly used bolts are turnkey bolts. 14 mm. Unscrew them and carefully remove the caliper bracket. If the bolts are stuck, use a penetrating lubricant and give it time to work, but do not overheat the parts with a torch.
Remove the old pads from the bracket. Pay attention to their condition and the presence of metal spring clamps (clips). These items often wear out along with the pads and replacement is highly recommended. If the clips are deformed, the new pads will wobble and create unnecessary noise.
- π Unscrew the two caliper guide bolts with a 14 mm wrench.
- π¨ Remove the bracket and carefully remove the old pads without damaging the hose.
- π§Ό Clean the bracket seats from rust and dirt with a metal brush.
Now you need to press the caliper piston into the body to make room for new, thicker pads. To do this, use a special mandrel or an old piston. You need to apply pressure evenly, making sure that the piston boot does not tear. If the brake fluid reservoir is full, first pump out some of the fluid.